There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

This 19th-century hymn has a great concept,
and these words are worth retaining
in a contemporary musical setting.
I've written a tune, and maybe you'd like
to write your own as well. 

words: Frederick W. Faber (1814-1863)

music: Gary Hicks © 2010 Gary L. Hicks

(lead sheet available from caedmullen@gmail.com)

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,

Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,

Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner,

And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior;

There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader

Than the measure of our mind;
And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.

But we make His love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify His strictness
With a zeal He will not own.

There is no place where earth’s sorrows
Are more felt than up in heaven;

There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kindly judgment given.
There is plentiful redemption

In the blood that has been shed;
There is joy for all the members

In the sorrows of the Head.

There is grace enough for thousands

Of new worlds as great as this;
There is room for fresh creations
In that upper home of bliss.
’Tis not all we owe to Jesus;

It is something more than all;
Greater good because of evil,

Larger mercy through the fall.

It is God: His love looks mighty,

But is mightier than it seems;
’Tis our Father: and His fondness

Goes far out beyond our dreams.

Was there ever kinder shepherd

Half so gentle, half so sweet,
As the Savior who would have us

Come and gather at His feet?